After almost 50 years of racing, Alabama’s Atmore DragStrip waves the checkered flag

The racing world is losing another beloved venue, as the Atmore DragStrip in Alabama, operating since 1976, prepares to shut down after the 2025 season

Fans and racers alike were stunned when owners Joey and Misty Barber announced the news on Facebook.

Their heartfelt post confirmed what many locals feared, but hoped wouldn’t come.

After nearly five decades of burnouts and big wins, the track is finally waving its last checkered flag.

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The owners poured in lots of resources into Atmore DragStrip

To understand why the announcement hit so hard, you have to appreciate what Atmore DragStrip meant to the community.

This wasn’t some half-forgotten, weedy backroad strip clinging to life.

It was a well-loved, well-maintained facility, with roots dating back to the late ’70s.

Over the past four years alone, the Barbers invested significant time and money into upgrades.

These include a re-ground racing surface, fresh concrete barriers, revamped timing systems, and more modern amenities in the tower, restrooms, and concession stands.

The amount of effort poured into the track is why the closure came as such a shock.

In their post, the Barbers revealed the emotional toll of keeping the gates open.

“This place has been more than just a racetrack to us,” they wrote. “It’s been our second home, Joey’s passion, and a huge part of our lives.”

They described long days, late nights, and countless unseen sacrifices made to preserve a drag racing tradition nearly 50 years strong.

Why Atmore DragStrip is closing

Unfortunately, good intentions don’t pay rising bills.

Operating a racetrack in 2025 is harder than ever: insurance premiums have skyrocketed, maintenance costs are up, and sanctioning fees aren’t getting any cheaper.

Many tracks also face noise complaints from nearby residents, who are often people who moved in long after the track was built.

The Barbers cited a mix of financial pressure and persistent negativity from critics who didn’t understand what it takes to run a track.

That toxic cocktail ultimately made the operation unsustainable.

And so, after almost 50 years, Atmore DragStrip will make its final pass.

For car fans in Alabama, there’s now one less place for you to go to.

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